In today’s digital age, data breaches have become an unfortunate reality. Financial institutions, hospitals, medical providers, government agencies, and even stores you shop at are all vulnerable to data breaches. If you’ve been affected by a data breach, companies are often legally required to notify you and explain what sensitive information was accessed or stolen. While receiving notice of a data breach can be unsettling, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize potential harm.
1. Make sure the notice is legitimate.
Your first step is to confirm the authenticity of the letter. Data breach notices can sometimes be phishing attempts. Be cautious of poor grammar, spelling errors, or informal greetings. Official communications are usually professional.
To verify whether the notice is legitimate, visit the company’s official website to confirm phone numbers, email addresses, or physical addresses. While you’re on the website, look for any public statements about the data breach. They may also outline additional recommended steps for affected individuals.
2. Read data breach notices thoroughly.
Data breach notices provide important information about the incident and steps you can take to protect yourself. The notice can help you:
- Understand what happened, including how it occurred and when it happened.
- Identify the information that was compromised, which could include your name, Social Security number, bank account, passwords, credit card information, or medical records.
- Learn about the next steps. The notice will often detail what the company is doing to address the breach, such as enhancing security measures. They may offer credit monitoring services to help you watch for suspicious activity. Be sure to follow recommendations, like changing your passwords or contacting your financial institution.
3. Strengthen your security.
Taking steps to strengthen your security can help protect your personal information and minimize the risks associated with a data breach. You can be proactive by:
Changing your passwords
Changing your password is always a smart idea after a data breach. Use a strong password with special characters, numbers, and a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “password” or something with personal value, like a pet’s name. Those are easy for hackers to guess and can make your information vulnerable.
Monitoring your bank accounts
If your bank account or credit card information was stolen, keep an eye on your statements for suspicious activity. You can also set up alerts to help you monitor unwanted charges.
Freezing your credit (if necessary)
If your personal information, such as your Social Security number, is compromised in a data breach, you may want to implement a credit freeze, which can prevent thieves from opening new accounts in your name. To place a freeze on your credit, contact the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Credit freezes are free and can be lifted whenever you need.
Another option is to set up a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, which notifies creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity before opening a new account.
Utilize identity protection services (if offered)
After a breach, many companies will offer free identity theft protection services or credit monitoring. Even if they don’t, consider using a service to help you keep track of your personal information. They can also help you if you do become a victim of fraud.
Data breaches can happen to any institution, and it’s important to know what to do when it affects you. If you notice any signs of fraud, like a transaction you didn’t complete or an account opened in your name, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a report at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also inform your local police by filing a report and the company who was breached.
The Compass Rose Aging Well program is here to support you. Our Resource Coordinator can provide tips for securing your information online and help identify who to contact if your data has been compromised. Together, we can help you age with confidence and peace of mind.